Eagle Elk’s grandson, Robert, blessed the Lakota helicopter during the ceremony in his native tongue.

According to Smith, Airbus Helicopters are named after Native Americans out of the high regard for their warrior culture. Other helicopters used in the U.S. Army named after Native American people are the Blackhawk, Apache, Comanche, and Iroquois.

Smith Today:

Smith, 46, spent nine years in the Army and 12 years flying Airbus helicopters in the Coast Guard. After retiring in 2014, he enrolled at SMU to pursue degrees in creative computation and studio art. Rather than continuing to fly helicopters, Smith wanted to use his GI benefits to get out of his comfort zone and study art.

Smith, right, in front of an Airbus Helicopter during his time in the Coast Guard. Photo credit: Airbus Helicopters Inc.

“Life is short and you have to try new things,” Smith said. “It didn’t sound interesting to me to hang around and do what I’d already been doing for 20 years.”

Smith also holds a bachelor’s in aeronautical studies with a concentration in computer science and a master of aeronautical science with a dual focus in human factors and aviation education from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He finished his bachelor’s in creative computing at SMU last fall and expects to complete his bachelor’s in Fine Arts and studio art this spring.

“I have some really great professors,” Smith said. “They are here to create opportunities for me so I’m really grateful for that.”

Smith’s professors encouraged him to participate in the Lakota helicopter art contest. They also encouraged him to teach. Today, Smith is in his first semester of teaching Creative Computing 1 at SMU.

The veteran, credited with saving 20 lives during his time in the Army and Coast Guard, now paints in his studio in the Owen Art Center and admits to getting emotional over the Lakota peoples’ acceptance of his work.

“Robert Eagle Elk even said that he thought Eagle Elk would be watching over me for the rest of my life,” Smith said.

Smith said he and his wife Jennifer are going to South Dakota this summer to attend the Eagle Elk family reunion.

When asked about his next art project, Smith laughed and pointed to a giant, blank canvas that took up most of the space in his studio. He did not have a clear idea of what his work was going to look like yet. He did know, however, he wanted to continue working on very large pieces and possibly paint murals on buildings some day.